Rail Service Worker

King County Metro's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, a growing network spanning 60 miles and serving 38 stations across the Puget Sound region. Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail system is the backbone of an integrated regional transit network that gives people real freedom of movement. As Puget Sound transit agencies work together to build a seamless, connected system, our light rail system playsa central rolein expanding access, reducing barriers, and ensuring that everyone across our region can get where they need to go.

Joining Metro's Rail Division means joining an organization that is shaping the future of public transportation in the Pacific Northwest and setting the standard for modern rail operations nationwide. This is a division that values strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, both our riders and our teams. Whatever your role, your work here contributes to something that matters, a light rail system that thousands of people count on every day.

The Rail Service Worker is primarily responsible for the cleaning and light maintenance of the interior and exterior of Link Light Rail vehicles, shop and yard maintenance and shop equipment.


Who May Apply
This position is open to current King County Metro Employees and the general public. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.


Wage Information
1st Shift (Day), $29.18 - 41.69 per hour. 
2nd Shift (Swing), $30.64 - 43.77 per hour.
3rd Shift (Graveyard), $31.37 - 44.82 per hour.
 
Vacancy Information
This recruitment will be used to fill TWO immediate career service vacancies and may be used to create a pool for future vacancies.

Recruitment Timeline:
Posting: August 07, 2026, through August 23, 2026.
Application Reviews begin in the week of August 24, 2026
 
Forms and Materials Required
An on-line King County application and completion of the supplemental questionnaire are required.
 
Work Schedule
This position is paid on an hourly (non-exempt) basis and is therefore eligible for overtime pay if scheduled. The work week and scheduled hours may vary. Rail Service Workers perform work in a 24/7 operations environment, employees must be able and willing to work at any location, any day, any shift (day, swing, or graveyard). Work shift is subject to change based on seniority bid system and needs of the business. In addition, this position has on-call responsibilities and must respond to emergency situations as needed.
 
An Employer To Be Proud Of
King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington.
 
Working for King County Metro Transit means working for a leader in this public transportation industry. This is an exciting time for King County Metro Transit; we are expanding service and recently received the 2018 award for the best large transit agency in North America.
 
Great Benefits
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most transit systems throughout the Puget Sound region). We offer a benefits package that includes competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family including state-registered domestic partner, competitive vacation, sick, holiday and executive leave plans, and participation in the State's Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) are provided, as well as the option of participating in the County's deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan). For more details, please see the Benefits tab on this posting.
 
If you have questions about this recruitment, please contact: Neha Bansal, HR Talent Advisor, [email protected]Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. You will:
 

• Clean interior and exterior of Light Rail Vehicles ("LRV") or streetcars by hand washing and steam cleaning, using a variety of solvents, soaps, and cleaning chemicals.
• Report any defects to supervisor, such as defective lights, body damage, interior damage, and operating defects.
• Post, add and subtract the amounts of commodities used in designated logs.
• Move LRVs or streetcars around the shop and yard.
• Remove trash and debris from the LRVs or streetcars.
• Check and replenish consumables such as sand and wiper fluid. Couple and uncouple rail vehicles.
• Maintain shop facilities and/or vehicles following written procedures or as instructed.
• Clean and service shop equipment and/or vehicles.
• Make deliveries or pick up materials.
• Operate computer for related data input and retrieval; may enter transactions and related data into a computer information system.
• Perform related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• One year of professional cleaning experience and/or automotive equipment servicing OR any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position 
• Experience with and knowledge of basic janitorial techniques.
• Knowledge in the use and care of cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, steam cleaners, and scrubbers.
• Knowledge of basic safety rules, practices and principles and applicable OSHA laws. Knowledge in the proper use and disposal of cleaning chemicals.
• Basic knowledge of and skill using current computer software applications for data maintenance such as Maintenance Management Information Systems or equivalent tracking systems.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to understand, interpret, and follow directions
• Ability to learn and operate LRVs or streetcars in a safe manner. (Training provided. Testing and certification will be required.)
• Skill in using common hand tools, maintenance and/or cleaning equipment. Skill in performing physical labor.
• Accurately performing simple numeric calculations and record keeping tasks. Skill in working under established deadlines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of people.

 Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience with biohazards and human waste.
• At least 6 months of experience as a Rail Utility Service Worker
• Experience performing light maintenance on equipment or similar type work.

 Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling and stooping.
• Work in confined spaces and at heights and in cramped and awkward positions.

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Washington State driver's license and an acceptable driving record. (Out of state candidates must obtain their Washington State driver's license prior to hire.)
• Ability to qualify for and maintain a "Yard Only" Rail Operator's Certification.
• Ability to qualify for Right of Way Protection Worker Certification.
• Ability to qualify for forklift certification.

Selection Process
Applications will be screened for completeness and qualifications. Candidates presenting evidence that they meet or exceed the qualifications noted above may be invited to participate in a panel interview. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully completed physical examinations, drug screens and a drug and alcohol background checks. Reference checks and reviews of driving records will also be conducted prior to any final offer of employment.
 
Union Membership
This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587.
 
Class Code: 9420100
 
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

 
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
 
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your Talent Advisor listed on this job announcement.
 
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